Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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My last infusion was one week ago. Round 3 and 4 brought more punch, more weakness, dry eyes, pain in the bones, stiffness in the abdomen, tired all the time. It took me about 10 days to recover from the two last infusions. This morning, feel normal and will begin the journey to normalcy these next two weeks. Onc sez i will feel off for about three months and then ok. Part of my problem is i am diabetic, so that complicates everything. And my age, 65. Glad i did all four rounds. It was not as bad as i expected it to be. Very little nausea, some constipation, but my vital signs are good now. I think the worst is over in terms of the chemo. Now comes the insecure part of being off the chemo and waiting to get the green light for rads to follow and then the follow up scans and blood work to declare all is well. It's scary and a lot of work, but recovery is possible and i am happy to have had the insurance coverage i had and the care that i got. My husband was very supportive, had lots of prayers from all neighbors and friends and family, it has had some very good moments. This past Sunday my neighbors surprised me with a pasta dinner complete with dessert! You find out quickly with this kind of thing what matters. I got used to being bald, am going for a wig this morning. My hair has grown out about one inch but it is not thicker and darker. It's thinner, grey, and very fine. And i too, do not miss, shaving my body hair or plucking my chin hairs. Good luck to all of you and God Bless.
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lemonjello - congrats on finishing chemo; good for you! I'm halfway done and am counting it down. I unfortunately haven't lost any of my body hair, so am still having to shave and wax! No fair - at least if I'm going to be bald let me have the positive effects of that too!
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(I also posted this on Positive lymph node Negtive SN)
I will be starting t Taxotere and Cytoxan perhaps with Herceptin (depending on the results of a FISH testing for HER2 the week of 7/27/09
I had a bilateral mastectomy on Friday, 6/26. My husband & I were told that the SN was clear and therefore had the surgery but without any axillary lymph node dissection. I was warned that the final path report may be effected by the 4th of July as many in the health care took off on 7/3. I expected a phone call by Monday, 7/6 from my surgeon's PA but still nothing. I finally called on Tuesday and then again on Wednesday. I was annyoed (angry) that no one was calling me back (my surgeon had been on vacation and was told his PA would call. Eventually, Wednesday early evening, my surgeon called. And he told me that he didn't like to have to tell me this but in fact the final path report indicated that in fact I had not 1 but 2 areas on the lymph node that were malignant. One was what I'll call "a speck- 0.4 mm" but the other one is 1 mm. He said he could have disregarded the 0.4 mm but not the 2nd one that is a mm. I was to see him for my first post op follow up to reveiw the incisions/ drains the next morning. He also tiptoed into the area then of wanting to go back in for a axillary lymph node dissection. I myself am a nurse who for better or worse got my Master's Degree in Oncology (cancer nursting) and am a nurse practitiioner. And again for better or worse, I searched the literature much of that night after his phone call. About 90-92% of SN biopsies are accurate. But unfortuneately, these "micro-metastases" are found because of more sophisticated testing. Moreover, the standard of care (national standards) for breast cancer still indicate that axillary lymph node dissection has the best evidence to support long term survival and decrease recurrence. So, after meeting with both my surgeon on 7/9 as well as my medical oncologist, I will start taxotere and cytoxan (and possibly Hercepten but still waiting for the results of my FISH test) the week of 7/27 for 406 rounds. THEN I'll have the axillary node dissection AFTERWARDS. My medical oncologist did not want to wait another 4-6 weeks after another surgery for me to heal to start the chemo and unfortuneately there are more of us who discover that after the initial path report of a SN - that the final path report shows some tiny (what I consider "specks" of cancer). That made sense to me so I will let you and others know how things go along. I'm hoping that you do not have more lymph node testing but for those of us who will have to go through it, we're here to help each other get through it! Linda0 -
ANYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM......Since losing most of my hair I have these little red bumps that look similar to mosquito bites on my scalp. Anyone else experiencing this? They are so annoying and unsightly
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PAP - are you still undergoing treatment or have you finished? You are either having a rash from the taxotere or if you are finished with tx, and your hair has started growing, it could be folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles. If they look more like pimples, with whiteheads, then it is probably folliculitis and you will need to see a dermatologist or talk to your onc to get an antifungal treatment and possibly antibiotics. I had folliculitis, it developed about 1 1/2 weeks after my last tx in april and took 3 weeks to heal because we were treating it wrong at first - I thought it was a chemo rash.
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lindaps, I too had a 1mm micromet in one node. Onc wanted me to do a full axillary dissection. DH and I asked a lot of questions and basically he said, and my surgeon said, micromets don't count. 1mm is the limit tho. Larger than that and they are concerned. Onc told us the ax. dissection was not a treatment. There are no studies to indicate that doing so will prolong my life in any way, or reduce the chance of recurrence. He was already "throwing the chemo book at me" based on my oncotype score and that my treatment wouldn't change whether I had the dissection or not. I already have mild lymphedema from the SNB and MX I didn't want to risk making that worse if there was no reduction in chemo or improvement on my survival percentages. I didn't do the full axillary node dissection and my onc supported that decision.
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CHELEV....thanks for the info.....I wondered about a reaction from taxotere. I will check that out as I'm only on round 2. It just seemed like I would have a rash everywhere though rather than just on the scalp. Don't think there are any whiteheads but will keep an eye out for that. Thanks so much!!
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PAP - If it is folliculitis, try washing your head with an anti-bacterial soap like Dial. Rinse and dry with clean towels; and massage in an antibiotic creme like Neosporin or a generic equivalent. Use a creme, not an ointment, as it isn't greasy and absorbs in well.
That's what was recommended by both Annabelle's Onc and Internist; and it worked like a charm. Her head was completely clear of all rash and pimples in a few days; and they haven't come back. The hair hasn't yet either, but it will.
Be sure to keep your head gear clean, too; or you'll just carry the bacteria back.
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I had a prescription for Dalacin* T which is a topical solution with a 1% dlindamycin. It worked very well to clear up the Folliculitis.
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Firni and Lindaps,
I was told the opposite by my surgeon and onc and radiation onc--they "count" micromets the same as full-blown node invasion. My sentinal node was hit, plus two micrometastized nodes. Since I have 3 positive nodes, they are considering me "almost stage 3" and treating me more aggressively than otherwise. It's interesting how the docs differ.
Jo Anne
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Hey everyone-
My friend shaved my head today (day 19). It is the ultimate in a "summer cut"
. I go in for my 2nd TC on Thursday. If the SE's are the same/no worse than the first treatment, I'll be fine. Wish me luck!0 -
CLARITIN? Well why didn't I see this earlier? I've had mild bone pain with Neulasta, more neck, jaw and ribs and had been popping the Advil which worked OK but I'm trying the Claritin next round. Thanks for that tidbit....
PAP....funny you posted that question. I'm finished 2 rounds of chemo and just noticed on the side and back of my bald head the tiny red bumps you talk about. I guess I should wash all the scarves and will try the neosporin as well...thanks DUTCH...
Congratulations LEMONJELLO on finishing chemo...I'm so jealous. I wish you much luck as you move forward.
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Firni,PAP,Ippuni and all my TC pals, Thank you all so much for helping me deal with the guilt I have been feeling about my son!! The day I posted that, my Surgeon gave me the OK to hold him, so I have been making up for lost time.
I hope everyone is doing well, I am trying to get used to my short hair, today is day 12 after my 1st tx, so I guess it should start falling out soon, like everything else, wait and see.
Have a great day!!!
Pam
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Sometimes I loose track who has finished there treatments...congrats to them. To our new members, sorry you have to be here, however you are in a good place with tons of knowledge, experience and support.
I remember early on reading postings of ladies who had finished and those who were farther out and doing so well...at the time I was early on with my treatments and I thought it was a bunch of bull. I was sick at the time and never thought the end and better times would come. It does come to an end and believe me I know now each day gets better.
Hope everyone is having mild SE's. Thinking of everyone today and wishing everyone a wonderful day.
Nadine
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RE: SCALP BUMPS......Thanks to those of you who had suggestions for the "break out" on my scalp. I did talk with the onc nurse this am and she suggested taking some Benadryl. I will wait, however, till this evening as I do not want to spend another day "laid out" in a lethargic state. Want to get out and enjoy the weather. I'm now wondering if the lint roller to remove some hair might have aggravated sensitive skin....just a thought. I'll let you know if the bumps disappear in a few days, and I will try the antibacterial soap as well. Saw an ad on TV this am for Gold Bond cream to reduce itching....might have to give that a try as well. Patti
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Just a tip that I found somewhere - corn starch can help reduce the itching as well. Sounds odd, but I tried it and it worked. Good luck. Also found a tentative solution for what to wear on my head to the gym. I went to Sally's beauty supply and bought a nylon do-rag. It's see through but very light and comfy for workouts. Since i have some patchy hair, I don't look so good bald, so wanted at least something. It cost a grand total of about $1.79!
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FOLLOWUP.....Benadryl did nothing on the scalp bumps....did give me full night of sleep, however
Talked with onc today and received the same recommendation that Dutch gave......antibacterial soap and neosporin cream. Approaching nadir day (10) and feeling more tired already. Will start taking astralagus to get the wbc built back up quickly. Patti 0 -
I still have peach fuzz...it also seems like I actually have growth! I am day 9 of tx #2 TC...is that strange? Still have down below, some leg hair, forearm hair and my armpits seem slightly bristly...eyelashs/brows still here.
The problem I seem to have is the skin over the vein (no port) is red & itchy, starting just a couple days ago. I am wondering-chemical burn from the taxotere?
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PAP - Wash and apply the antibiotic creme a couple of times a day for 3-4 days. That's about what it took for Annabelle to clear up almost completely. There were a few "hot spots" that recurred for about another week; but local application of the antibiotic creme got rid of them eventually, too.
Her head now is completely clear and shiny with just a small amount of "down".
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TCGGal, I also had the itching and redness over the vein where the taxotere was infused, and also around the port, this was immediately after my second tx. Onc said it was like an allergic reaction / chemical burn. Stayed with me for days, was really irritating and once the swelling started by the port, we realized I was having bad allergic reactions to it. Usually it goes away in 95% of people who get it.
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Thank you!
Laurie
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Thanks to Jaelsne, Firni and Lori who responded. Both the surgeon and onc soudn more like Joanne's who stressed that any micromets are handled just like being positive. I really thought that these "specks"- mine are 0.4 mm and 1 mm would not have made a difference but I guess that if I'm going to get rid of this cancer, then I'll go aggressively and deal with whatever. It is intereting that all these docs have different beliefs. Today I find out if I can get rid of another drain but don't think I'll lose the other one as it's draining quite a bit. Also hoping to hear if the FISH test is positive or not for the HER2 to know about the Herceptin. The goal was to start chemo the week of 7/27. This is a great discussion board. Linda
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Linda, It's kind of scary that the medical community is divided on their thinking on miro mets. Especially since mine think they don't count. I sure hope the chemo I did was enough!
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Hi Everyone: Got a call today from the social worker at the Onc clinic. Was supposed to meet with her after seeing the doctor this coming Wednesday. She had set up the appointment to give us information on after chemo and what to expect...life style changes etc...turns out she is not going to be in the office that day so is sending me the books and literature. We was talking about some of the information and I mentioned I was going to be quitting smoking on the 23rd once I got the doctors blessing. She told me smoking is the number 1 risk factor for a recurrence of BC, I nearly chocked on my cigarette. She also mentioned exercise so I asked what she was talking about and how long on that....she mentioned walking, biking and hiking were all good. I asked about my treadmill and she told me 45 minutes every day would be good....I mentioned I still get tired so easy and couldn't do 45 minutes a day at one time. She told me to push for 15 min per day and increase from there. She also told me to listen to our bodies, when we are tired~then rest...if we are hungry~then eat. I had more or less put the major amount of fears of BC aside and now they are back full force. I can't wait now for the information to arrive in the mail so I can read it all and get on making more life changes....DON'T want BC to come back!!!!
I had to take a nap after talking to her, so time to get out in the heat and get some fresh air and try and shake the bad vib's. Gee when you think you have everything under control the worry comes again.
Nadine
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Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is having a good day, with little or no SE's. I am really tired today, have napped alot. Today is day 15 after my 1st tx, and was wondering my head is very tender in spots. Is this the begining of the end of my hair? Just curious on when it happened for some of you. Thanks and have a great weekend!
Pam
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My scalp was very tender before I started losing my hair... good to hear you're resting!
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Yes Pam, this is probably the beginning of your hair loss. That being said let me say this from my sort of recent experience. You will feel a whole lot better once the hair is gone, both physically and mentally. It hurts now while the follicles are dying and the anticipation of the hair loss is so painful. It is a hurdle and soon you will be on the other side looking back.
At your point, I had my head buzzed. I then couldn't wait for the rest to be gone. I finished my chemo Jan 6th so it is a little more than six months and now the hair thing is a distant memory.............believe me. Yesterday I went for my second "trim", sides and back only. The top is still a little short, but I always wore my hair short (not this short) and now it actually does look like a regular hair style. Strangely I get compliments all the time, both from friends and strangers...................go figure.
Here's another hint that sounds crazy. Last Christmas, when I was completely bald my daughter talked me into taking some pics. First I said no way, and she said Mom you never have to look at them but if you want to some day they will be there. Ok, so we did. I took many cute shots with me and my bald then six month old grandson. Nose to nose, etc. Well guess what? I treasure those pics. I look back, know where I was so little time ago,and see where I am now. It is a journey......................
Let me know how you feel in a few weeks when this hair loss worry is behind you. I am not making light of it, that's for sure. It is tough. But I do want you to know that you may find it is not as tough as you thought and eventually it will be a memory.
Hugs.....................Caren
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Arnie and Caren, Thanks for the info, it was exactly what I thought. I have a party to go to tomorrow, so I am glad I still have hair for it. I do think that on Sunday I will buzz it, my 7 month old pulled out a hand full last night and it was tough. I almost think I have deen in denial about this part of tx for awhile, and it becoming oh so real. I have said it was no big deal, but I think it is after all.
Caren, I am a firm believer in pictures too, I have some of my husband, son and I in the ICU after my recon, people thought I was crazy...but it is a part of who I am now. I have already looked back on them, it's only been 2 months, but it seems so long ago.
Pam
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pjcrn... I agree with Caren. When mine started falling out I buzzed it off...took me an hour and a half !! Once I was done I called my dh and said, "How much do you love me?" He said, "Alot, what did you do?" lol It felt freeing... and like I was taking control! I have had 4 AC and 1 tx, my second one coming up on Tuesday... then two more to go and rads. I figure I'll be done sometime in October hopefully. It's been a long journey but it's doable. My 4 year old gs misses my hair and talks about it all the time, one day he asked me to go put on that hair I bought! lol I only wore my wig once, felt so fake that now I wear baseball caps. My gd who is 17 ms. loves my bald head and rubs it and laughs....... Go figure! lol Take care sweetie, and sending good vibes your way. janet0
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Well, I decided that when I write my memoirs (right) I'm naming it "and I'm carrying my hair in a bag..."
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